Hello everyone! Sorry to have been missing so long. After a busy summer I wanted to present in this post 10 very special neighborhoods in Latin America that we love because of their style, environment, bohemian life, architecture…

Vila Madalena is one of the most picturesque and bohemian neighborhoods of São Paulo. Descents and steep climbs with steps, trees and plants, low houses, businesses, ateliers and endless urban art on its walls. Fashion and design, bars everywhere and streets that graffiti artists use as their canvas like the colorful Beco do Batman.

Vila Madalena exhales creativity at any time of day. Vila Madalena has become a mecca of fashion and design in Sao Paulo and one of the most important centers of artistic creation in Brazil. It’s definitely my favorite part of the city, where every time I get lost in its streets I find some new secret place to love.Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo2. Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires

Palermo is the most chic bohemian Buenos Aires neighborhood. It was a proletarian residential area for over a century. Since the 80s, it became one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. In Palermo Soho the old buildings have been converted into modern facilities while retaining the style, especially on the facades. The old houses have been converted into restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries and cozy boutique hotels. The streets are still mostly cobblestone and the magnificent and immense trees provide a quiet atmosphere.

The famous Plaza Cortazar, is the meeting point for artists, designers, and bohemians who frequent the area as well as tourists and local visitors. A regional crafts fair is held at this popular place on weekends that you cannot miss!Plaza Serrano, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires3. Coyoacán, México

Coyoacan is the cultural heart of Mexico City, a bohemian place to relax outside the busy capital. Coyoacán owes its name to “the place of coyotes”. During the Mexican Revolution, Coyoacán hid the rebels and the leaders of the revolution, it was always a very artistic and free-thinking place. Today, you cannot miss a visit to understand how was the old city of Mexico during the Spanish colonization.

The historic center was recognized by UNESCO. It contains several excellent museums including the Museum of Frida Kahlo, which talks about the life of the famous feminist painter Léon Trotsky Museum, her Russian lover, and the house of Diego Rivera, her husband.Coyoacán, Ciudad de México4. Colonia Condesa, Ciudad de México

La Condesa lived its opulent period between 1890 and 1950, reflected in its art deco architecture. In Condesa we find the best expression of diversity in the city.

Over time, its cosmopolitan and bohemian character has increased, becoming today one of the hippest places in Mexico City. It is a quiet neighborhood during the day, great to read in its parks or visit its libraries and galleries, and becomes a great party place in the evenings. You will find numerous outdoor terraces, cafes, bookstores, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and cultural centers.Colonia Condesa, Ciudad de México5. La Macarena, Bogotá

La Macarena has already been compared to New York’s Soho and Palermo in Buenos Aires. It is growing as the favorite place of artists, actors and people from all over the world. Today, despite the cultural and bohemian ‘move’, the atmosphere of a calm and quiet neighborhood where everyone knows each other is preserved.

It is located on the slopes of the hills of the city, next to Bosque Izquierdo where the aristocracy of La Candelaria built their big houses in the thirties. La Macarena is an unplanned neighborhood that in the 70’s became a meeting place for the most influential and controversial artists and intellectuals of the second half of the twentieth century in Colombia.La Macarena, Bogota6. Lastarria, Santiago de Chile

Lastarria has a European flair that visitors love: there are cafes, restaurants, art galleries and independent design shops. People go cycling. On the weekends takes place a picturesque fair of antiques and used books. It is a quiet area, which seems to be stopped in time, without noise, well maintained and of an undisputed urban value: there are numerous houses designed by renowned architects such as Luciano Kulczewski – that have been declared properties of historic preservation.Lastarria, Santiago de Chile7. Barranco, Lima

Barranco was the spa of aristocratic families that built here their European style ranches for the summer. Artisans, shopkeepers, poets, artists and workers also settled in the area by building their workshops, homes and businesses. Barranco attracts for its streets with Republican style houses and villas; for its ancient trees and idyllic places; for its enviable ocean views from the canyon that gives name to the district.

It is an oasis in the bustling metropolis of Lima. An oasis inhabited and visited by foreigners, artists and lifelong neighbors. A rich oasis to eat, to walk, to enjoy Lima at night and to surf! Barranco holds the freest spirit of Lima, its most artistic and bohemian side you cannot miss.Barranco, Lima8. Bellavista, Santiago de Chile

Bellavista is undoubtedly one of the most charming places of Santiago, full of bars, restaurants and colorful streets. It is an old bohemian neighborhood on the slopes of Cerro San Cristóbal and the north bank of the Rio Mapocho, and where the house of Pablo Neruda is located.

Although situated near the center of the city the scenery changes completely from the moment you walk in the Bellavista. A natural slowdown, without chaotic traffic and the excitement of the central streets of Santiago. Just sit in a bar on the sidewalk, order a Pisco Sour, admire the scenery and enjoy the moment!Bellavista, Santiago de Chile9. Casco Viejo, Ciudad de Panamá

Since 1673 when the city moved to the peninsula where now lies, it has suffered several fires, has seen its walls rise and fall, and its houses change styles, century after century. Today its charm lies in a particular neighborhood flavor in the mix between classic and modern, between historic and bohemian. A magic that remains in the memory after walking its streets, try its restaurants or enjoy a glass of wine in one of its charming squares.

The Old Town of Panama preserves the authenticity of a heritage in constant transformation. The crumbling mansions give a touch of nostalgia to an area full of vitality, where every day new residents and tourists are arriving, and whose historical foundations give birth to a vibrant lifestyle.Casco Viejo, Ciudad de Panamá10. Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Lapa is Rio de Janeiro’s most bohemian neighborhood for its diverse cultural activities and for being one of the most important points of architectural interest of the city. Between bars, taverns and countless samba this old bohemian neighborhood evokes the essence of the past.

During the Belle Époque in Brazil this district was known as the “Montmartre Carioca” mainly attracting artists and intellectuals. Now attracts a new audience. Every Friday night just below the famous Arch, a multicultural festival begins. Nightclubs, bars, restaurants, houses of samba, among other styles, open their doors to welcome the thousands of tourists and locals that transform the neighborhood into a festival, where you can see thousands of people dancing, drinking caipirinha and enjoying life. A must.Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

About Me

I am a São Paulo based traveler, consultant and entrepreneur.
I am a passionate traveler that has visited over 35 countries. My traveling obsession is to avoid the mass and getting where nobody gets to. I love exploring new places, meeting the locals, enjoying pristine nature and practicing adventure sports. Excellent food and a charming small hotel give the final touch to wonderful journeys.